The Mysteries of Paris, Volume 3 of 6

Rodolph started at the word, as it reached his ear, for it was the name of Madame d'Harville's mother-in-law. Advancing, therefore, from the dark corner in which he stood, he managed, by the light of the lamp, to obtain a clear view of the stranger, in whose features he easily traced the portrait so skilfully drawn by Clémence of the author of all her sufferings.

"Madame d'Orbigny!" repeated Madame Pipelet, in a loud tone. "Ah, then you may go up-stairs; that is the name M. Bradamanti gave me."

Madame d'Harville's mother-in-law waited for no second bidding, but rapidly passed by the lodge.

"Well done us!" shouted the porteress, with a triumphant air; "I have caught my fish, done the great lady! Now, then, I know her name, – she is Madame d'Orbigny. That wasn't a bad scheme of mine, was it, M. Rodolph? But what the plague is the matter with you? How sad and thoughtful you have grown all of a minute!"

"This lady has been to see M. Bradamanti before, has she not?"

"Yes, she was here yesterday evening; and, directly she was gone, M. Bradamanti went out, most probably, to take his place in the diligence for to-day, because, when he came back, he asked me to take his trunk to the coach office, as he could not trust that little rascal, Tortillard."

"And do you know where M. Bradamanti is going?"

"To Normandy, by way of Alençon."

Rodolph called to his remembrance that Aubiers, the seat of M. d'Orbigny, was situated in Normandy. There was no longer a doubt that the charlatan was proceeding to the paternal home of Clémence, and, as a matter of course, to aid and assist in some scheme of wickedness.

"The departure of M. Bradamanti will put old Séraphin out preciously!" resumed Madame Pipelet. "I can't make out what she wants with him; but she seems as much bent upon seeing him as he is on avoiding her; for he charged me particularly not to tell her that he leaves Paris to-night at six o'clock. So, when she calls again, she will find nobody at home; that will give me an opportunity of talking to her about your young person. Let's see, what is her name? Cissy – "

"Cecily!"

"Ah, I see! Just clap two more letters to the word I said, – that'll do. I must tie a knot in the corner of my handkerchief, that I may be able to recollect this bother of a name. Ciss – Cissy – Cecily – I've got it!"

"Well, now, I think it is time for me to visit Mlle. Rigolette," said Rodolph to Madame Pipelet, as he quitted the lodge.

"And when you come down-stairs, M. Rodolph, I hope you will just speak a word or two to my dear old darling of a husband. He has had a deal of trouble lately, and I know it will be a great relief to him to tell you all about it. That beast of a Cabrion has been at his old tricks again!"

"Be assured, Madame Pipelet, I shall always be ready to sympathise with your worthy husband in all his troubles."

And with these words Rodolph, strangely preoccupied with the recent visit of Madame d'Orbigny to Polidori, slowly pursued his way to the apartment of Mlle. Rigolette.

END OF VOLUME III

notes

1

We shall hear more particulars of these worthies in another chapter.

2

It is, perhaps, unnecessary to remind the reader that the child in question is Fleur-de-Marie, daughter of Rodolph and Sarah, and that the latter, in speaking of a pretended sister, tells a falsehood necessary for her plans, as will be seen. Sarah was convinced, as was Rodolph, also, of the death of the little girl.